The Learning Health System Commentary Series

Despite significant shortfalls in the overall effectiveness and efficiency of health care in the United States, many lessons are being gleaned through innovative approaches to continuous improvement sponsored in various institutions and settings. As highlighted at meetings of the Roundtable on Value & Science-Driven Health Care (VSRT) and other IOM activities, scores of individuals across the country are engaged in activities foundational to a learning health system—with tangible results. With the possibility and the need to accelerate the dissemination of valuable practices and lessons learned, experienced and visible leaders in the field are natural messengers.

To improve awareness of applications of scientific, technologic, payment and delivery innovations that are fostering continuous learning and improvement and have already led to enhanced value in health and health care, the authors below have contributed brief essays and other materials which highlight their experiences, insights, and perspectives on best practices and emerging results from improvement initiatives representing progress toward a continuously learning health system.

The Learning Health System Commentary Series is a component of IOM Perspectives, a new category of IOM products that provides leading experts the opportunity to offer their observations and opinions on innovations and challenges in health and health care.